DAVID Beatty has been elected leader of Herts County Council. And he said his team at County Hall was one of a great deal of experience and expertise . Cllr Beatty had taken over the role of leader after the recent death of Cllr Robert Ellis. He said the

DAVID Beatty has been elected leader of Herts County Council.

And he said his team at County Hall was one of "a great deal of experience and expertise".

Cllr Beatty had taken over the role of leader after the recent death of Cllr Robert Ellis.

He said the next year would see "new challenges" for the county council as it concentrates greater attention on areas such as adult care, waste and highways.

Cllr Robert Gordon was elected deputy leader and will take on the new performance and resources portfolio.

Cllr Beatty said: "It's more important than ever to measure our performance and deliver services effectively and efficiently."

Cllr Jane Pitman, who represents the Braughing division at County Hall, will continue her role as children's services portfolio holder.

n In Cambridgeshire, Cllr Keith Walters has been re-elected as leader of the county council.

Cllr Walters, who was elected to the county council in 1995 after a 35-year career in the RAF, has been leader for the past nine years.

The deputy leader will be Cllr John Reynolds, who was re-elected at the county council's annual meeting.

The Liberal Democrat group has re-elected Cllr Julian Huppert and the Labour group will again be led by Cllr Martin Ballard.

Cllr Linda Oliver, who is the county council's member for Bassingbourn, will serve in the Cabinet as portfolio holder for sustainable infrastructure.

Cllr Susan Normington has been re-elected as chairman of the county council.

She said that she was "seeking to involve the community is as many aspects of the council's work as possible".

Cllr Tony Orgee was re-elected for a second year as vice-chairman.